UWSA, the most powerful ethnic armed group in Burma, preparing for a attack by the Shan RCSS

The United Wa State Army (UWSA), the most powerful ethnic armed group in Myanmar, is deploying troops in Khaing Lone, a town in southern Shan State, announced the UWSA-run Wa State TV on Saturday. The deployment follows widespread rumors on social media that the UWSA is preparing for a possible attack by rival ethnic armed group the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), whose headquarters Loi Tai Leng is adjacent to Khaing Lone.

Hundreds of UWSA soldiers including the elite commando unit along with artillery have been deployed in Khaing Lone, which is part of the territory of UWSA military region 171, according to the Chinese-language news broadcast aired by Wa State TV.

The report said that the UWSA would not launch an assault, but will decisively repulse any incursions into military region 171.

The RCSS has alleged that the UWSA is assisting its rival, the Shan State Progress Party, the political wing of the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N).

Both SSPP/SSA-N, and the RCSS and its armed wing the Shan State Army-South (SSA-S) were formed to seek autonomy for Shan State. The RCSS is active in southern Shan State, while the SSPP is based in the north. However, the SSA-S also operates in northern Shan State and has been fighting the SSA-N for years over territorial disputes.

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) is also fighting alongside the SSPP/SSA-N.

The RCSS reportedly sent a letter to the UWSA recently, warning that it would attack the ethnic Wa group’s military region 171 if it continued to back up the SSPP/SSA-N and the TNLA.

The Irrawaddy was unable to reach the UWSA’s Lashio liaison officer Nyi Rang for a comment.

RCSS Secretary 2 Major Kham San told The Irrawaddy that there are no military tensions between the two sides on the ground.

 RCSS troops.